30 December, 1999

    "The adult BALD EAGLE was visible from the Calero Reservoir boat ramp at about 12:30 this afternoon, perched in the same tree I saw one in last winter.  This is on the northwestern end of the reservoir.  Nice that it is back in time for the CBC on Sunday!"—Hugh McDevitt.

29 December, 1999

    Unusual sightings along Alamitos Creek included a NORTHERN FLICKER with yellow primary shafts (a characteristic of the eastern race) and a pair of STELLER'S JAYS (common in foothill woodlands, but rare on the valley floor). The flicker was seen opposite Leland High School, and the jays were between there and the Camden Ave. bridge. Other birds seen along the creek included 1 COMMON MERGANSER, 1 RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER, 1 TOWNSEND'S WARBLER, and several PURPLE FINCHES. A male MERLIN of the race columbarius was perched atop a sycamore beside the SCVWD Pond. Other birds there included 1 COMMON GOLDENEYE, 5 COMMON MERGANSERS, and 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER—John Mariani.

27 December, 1999

    "At Calero, an adult BALD EAGLE was at the far western end perched in a tree (its "traditional" location).  The bird was very difficult to see because of the haze and because it was in deep shadow, but there it was.  Two AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS were at the eastern end.  Otherwise not much else - good numbers of EARED GREBES and a few ducks (COMMON MERGANSER, BUFFLEHEAD, COMMON GOLDENEYE, RUDDY DUCKS, etc), but not much else.  50 WOOD DUCKS at Almaden Reservoir plus a few COMMON MERGANERS & COMMON SNIPE. At Guadalupe Res an OSPREY was perched on a bank, otherwise only about 12 AMERICAN WIGEONS plus three COMMON MERGANSERS, two WOOD DUCKS, another COMMON SNIPE, and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER. The reservoirs continue to shrink significantly"—Ann Verdi.

    Today, at Almaden Lake Park, a second winter GLAUCOUS GULL was again on the gravel bar at the inflow to the lake at about 2:30 this afternoon. MEW, RING-BILLED, CALIFORNIA, HERRING, THAYER'S, and GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS were also present—John Mariani.

26 December, 1999

    Today there were 2 second-winter GLAUCOUS GULLS at Almaden Lake Park. They were seen between 2 and 3pm, a good time of day to visit the lake to see gulls (which only visit the lake en route to other feeding and roosting areas). Other birds there included 1 CLARK'S GREBE, 1 COMMON MOORHEN, COMMON SNIPE, and CALIFORNIA, RING-BILLED, HERRING, THAYER'S, and GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS—John Mariani.

23 December, 1999

    Birds seen from the boat ramp at Calero (the incredible shrinking) Reservoir: 1 HORNED GREBE, a few COMMON GOLDENEYES, 1 RING-NECKED DUCK, a flock of COMMON MERGANSERS, 6 BLACK-NECKED STILTS, 1 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, a few LEAST SANDPIPERS, 1 COMMON SNIPE, several BONAPARTE'S GULLS, and a large flock of AMERICAN PIPITS. The water continues to recede, and the number of water birds there appears to be diminishing.
    At Almaden Lake Park this afternoon there were MEW (1), RING-BILLED, CALIFORNIA, GLAUCOUS-WINGED, HERRING (hundreds), and THAYER'S (8+) GULLS. Other birds there included 1 WESTERN GREBE, 1 CANVASBACK, and RING-NECKED DUCKS—John Mariani.

12 December, 1999

    CLARK'S and WESTERN GREBES, COMMON MERGANSERS, 6 COMMON SNIPES, MEW, RING-BILLED, CALIFORNIA, HERRING, THAYER'S, and GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS, and CEDAR WAXWINGS were at Almaden Lake Park today—John Mariani.

11 December, 1999

    Don Ganton saw a BROWN PELICAN at the SCVWD Pond today. It has been 12 years since the last Almaden Valley occurrence of this (usually) salt water species.   

3 December, 1999

    There were four RED-THROATED LOONS and one COMMON LOON at Calero Reservoir today (12/3/99). Additionally, we observed HORNED GREBE, WESTERN GREBE, CLARKE'S GREBE, EARED GREBE, GADWALL, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, AMERICAN WIGEON, NORTHERN PINTAIL, NORTHERN SHOVELER, CINNAMON TEAL, CANVASBACK, RING-NECKED DUCK, COMMON GOLDENEYE, BUFFLEHEAD, HOODED MERGANSER, COMMON MERGANSER, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, WHITE-TAILED KITE, MERLIN, GREATER YELLOWLEGS, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, COMMON SNIPE, MEW GULL, THAYERS GULL, HERRING GULL, BONAPARTE'S GULL, BELTED KINGFISHER, and WESTERN BLUEBIRD—Tom Ryan.

30 November, 1999

    Birds seen this afternoon from the boat ramp at Calero Reservoir included 1 COMMON LOON, 1-2 RED-THROATED LOON(S), the continuing flock of AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS (down to 11 birds), about 10 COMMON GOLDENEYES, COMMON MERGANSERS, 20 LEAST SANDPIPERS, 15+ BLACK-NECKED STILTS, a few distant LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, 6 FORSTER'S TERNS, 10+ BONAPARTE'S GULLS, BELTED KINGFISHER, and TRICOLORED BLACKBIRD—John Mariani.

29 November, 1999

    This afternoon the immature ROSS'S GOOSE was still at Almaden Lake Park, and adult and first-winter THAYER'S GULLS were on the beach there—John Mariani.

27 November, 1999

    Highlights of a SCVAS field trip to Calero Reservoir and Almaden Lake Park included a male REDHEAD, 2 female HOODED MERGANSERS, and a flock of AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS at the east end of Calero Reservoir; the continued presence of an immature ROSS'S GOOSE at Almaden Lake Park; and a flock of about 20 NUTMEG MANNIKINS along Alamitos Creek upstream from Almaden Lake. Other birds of interest at Calero Reservoir: several CANVASBACKS, 1 RING-NECKED DUCK, COMMON GOLDENEYES, 9 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, 10+ BONAPARTE'S GULLS, 3 FORSTER'S TERNS, and AMERICAN PIPITS. At Almaden Lake Park: COMMON MERGANSERS, 1 COMMON MOORHEN, 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and RING-BILLED, CALIFORNIA, HERRING, GLAUCOUS-WINGED (1 first winter bird), and THAYER'S (1 adult) GULLS—John Mariani.

24 November, 1999

    At Almaden Lake Park, on Almaden Expwy. south of Hwy. 85, I had an imm. ROSS'S GOOSE, 110 CANADA GEESE (all large-form), 1 female COMMON MERGANSER, and 8 CANVASBACKS. Gulls included 5 MEW, 50 RING-BILLED, 80 CALIFORNIA, 12 THAYER'S, 270 HERRING (>90% adults), 1 first-winter apparent HERRING X GLAUCOUS-WINGED, and 1 first-winter GLAUCOUS-WINGED—Steve Rottenborn.

    Birds at Calero Reservoir this afternoon included 1 HORNED GREBE, 2 CLARK'S GREBES, 1 WESTERN GREBE, 16 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS, BUFFLEHEAD, about 10 COMMON GOLDENEYES,  1 female COMMON MERGANSER, 2 female HOODED MERGANSERS, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON (saw it catch a blackbird near the boat ramp), BLACK-NECKED STILTS, about 40 LEAST SANDPIPERS, 7 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, 1 COMMON SNIPE, BONAPARTE'S and HERRING GULLS, about 40 AMERICAN PIPITS, and 1 male TRICOLORED BLACKBIRD (in mixed flock of blackbirds and cowbirds at the boat ramp). As usual, bird life was concentrated at the east end of the reservoir—John Mariani.

22 November, 1999

    I saw a "YELLOW-SHAFTED" NORTHERN FLICKER at the SCVWD administration building this morning (11/22/99).  It was in the Sycamores lining the parking lot adjacent to the Admin Bldg. (south & east of the pond)—Tom Ryan.

21 November, 1999

    I visited the upper end of Calero Reservoir Sunday afternoon (11/21) under clear but windy conditions, and here's what I can add to John's previous report for Saturday.  On Sunday I saw 14 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS and 12 COMMON GOLDENEYES.  Other birds of note included two COMMON LOONS, one HOODED MERGANSER, four COMMON MERGANSERS, one HORNED GREBE, 56 LEAST SANDPIPERS, and four HERRING GULLS.  There is a good mix of ducks present including MALLARD, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, CINNAMON TEAL, AMERICAN WIGEON, NORTHERN PINTAIL, NORTHERN SHOVELER, GADWALL, and BUFFLEHEAD plus hundreds and hundreds of coots.  Also of interest were at least four TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS in with the blackbird flock foraging in the horse corrals—Ann Verdi.

    A TOWNSEND'S WARBLER was at the picnic area downstream from Graystone Lane along Alamitos Creek. A GREEN HERON  was seen a little farther downstream—John Mariani.

20 November, 1999

    Today there were 15 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS at the east end of Calero Reservoir. A flock of 7 COMMON GOLDENEYES there were the first I've seen this fall. There were also 1-2 FORSTER'S TERNS and 5+ BONAPARTE'S GULLS flying over the reservoir—John Mariani.

18 November, 1999

    Birds found in and around the IBM orchard on the east side of Harry Road included 2 WHITE-TAILED KITES, 1 adult SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, a huge concentration of MOURNING DOVES (125+ counted in one scan of the orchard), BELTED KINGFISHER, CALIFORNIA THRASHER, and AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES. An adult COOPER'S HAWK was perched in a eucalyptus along Henwood Road—John Mariani.

17 November, 1999

    Made an afternoon stop at Calero Reservoir. Most of the action was at the east end, where the immature GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was still present, and among the numerous grebes, ducks, and coots I found a female HOODED MERGANSER. A flock of 70-plus LEAST SANDPIPERS was the largest number I've ever seen there. Other shorebirds at the east end of the reservoir included about 15 BLACK-NECKED STILTS, GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 4 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and KILLDEER. There were still 2 FORSTER'S TERNS and a lone BONAPARTE'S GULL there. At one point a PEREGRINE FALCON scared up the shorebirds; it looked like the same bird I saw there a few days ago, and flew in the same direction (west) as last time. I also saw a NORTHERN HARRIER near the boat ramp—John Mariani.

14 November, 1999

    Birds at Almaden Reservoir included 65 WOOD DUCKS and an adult male OSPREY. Two TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS and a HUTTON'S VIREO were in the nearby vicinity. A male NORTHERN HARRIER was seen on Mt Umunhum later in the day (maybe the same bird reported earlier by Hugh McDevitt). A HAIRY WOODPECKER was near the New Almaden entrance to Quicksilver CP—Ann Verdi. 

    Birds along the Alamitos Creek Trail upstream from Almaden Lake Park today included 1 adult COOPER'S HAWK, BELTED KINGFISHERS, numerous LINCOLN'S SPARROWS, and a flock of at least 6 NUTMEG MANNIKINS—John Mariani

13 November, 1999

    Hugh McDevitt reports that he and his wife Debbie observed the following species at Almaden Reservoir: 50+ WOOD DUCKS, 1 COMMON MERGANSER, 20 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, several WILD TURKEYS, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, and 1 unidentified accipiter.

12 November, 1999

    An immature GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was at the east end of Calero Reservoir today. Other birds seen there included CINNAMON TEAL, WHITE-TAILED KITE, a PEREGRINE FALCON, BLACK-NECKED STILTS, GREATER YELLOWLEGS, LEAST SANDPIPERS, at least 9 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, and 3-4 FORSTER'S TERNS. At evening a large number of YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIES were seen flying to a communal roost in the hills near the east end of the reservoir (minimum count of 53 birds)—John Mariani.

8 November, 1999

    Today a MEW GULL and an adult THAYER'S GULL were with RING-BILLED, CALIFORNIA, and HERRING GULLS along the beach at Almaden Lake Park. At Calero Reservoir there were still at least 4 FORSTER'S TERNS—John Mariani.

6 November, 1999

    Hugh McDevitt reports the following observations from a hike up to the IBM research facility:  "In addition to normal birds for the area (several WESTERN BLUEBIRDS, WESTERN MEADOWLARKS, TURKEY VULTURES, RED-TAILED HAWKS, NORTHERN FLICKER, TURKEYS), we rounded a bend and surprised a GOLDEN EAGLE attempting to have lunch.  We watched it for several minutes from a distance before it attempted to take flight with its meal (a rabbit), which seemed to be too heavy for it to carry!"

5 November, 1999

    Birds at Calero Reservoir today included EARED and WESTERN GREBES, BLACK-NECKED STILTS, several GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 1 COMMON SNIPE, LEAST SANDPIPERS, 1 HERRING GULL, 1 BONAPARTE'S GULL, 1 FORSTER'S TERN, and AMERICAN PIPITS—John Mariani.

4 November, 1999

    At Almaden Reservoir there were two MERLIN, over 50 WOOD DUCK, COMMON MERGANSER, and ACORN WOODPECKER—Tom Ryan.

2 November, 1999

    Today "Calero Reservoir produced a PRAIRIE FALCON, GOLDEN EAGLE, 11 FORSTER'S TERNS, AMERICAN WIGEON, RING-NECKED DUCK, GADWALL, BUFFLEHEAD, MALLARD, and nearly 8000 AMERICAN COOT (minus the one that the Golden Eagle was eating)"—Tom Ryan.

25 October, 1999

    Late this afternoon I saw a BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER at the east end of Calero Reservoir. Other shorebirds there included droves of KILDEER, BLACK-NECKED STILTS, at least 3 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 20+ LEAST SANDPIPERS, 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER, 6+ LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, and 1 COMMON SNIPE. There are still lots of ducks there, especially AMERICAN WIGEON. A few AMERICAN PIPITS were also present—John Mariani.

19 October, 1999

    A STELLER'S JAY was out of place at the foot of the Santa Teresa Hills along Henwood Road. Among the shorebirds at Calero Reservoir there were 9 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS and about 20 LEAST SANDPIPERS. A NORTHERN HARRIER and a few  BUFFLEHEAD and RING-NECKED DUCKS were also at the east end of Calero Reservoir—John Mariani.

12 October, 1999

    Late this afternoon a GOLDEN EAGLE was over McKean Rd. near Calero Reservoir. At Calero Reservoir there were at least 2 male TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS in a large blackbird flock at the boat ramp. Also at Calero Reservoir there were 4 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS,  a few GREATER YELLOWLEGS, and about 15 LEAST SANDPIPERS.
    Birds along Alamitos Creek near the Camden Ave. bridge today included a HAIRY WOODPECKER, a flock of CEDAR WAXWINGS, 1 HERMIT THRUSH,  and 1 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER. A few days ago a TOWNSEND'S WARBLER and WESTERN TANAGER were there—John Mariani.

4 October, 1999

    Birds seen at the east end of Calero Reservoir this afternoon included an adult male NORTHERN HARRIER, 1 COMMON SNIPE, several GREATER YELLOWLEGS, LEAST SANDPIPERS, hundreds of migrating VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS, and 1 LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE—John Mariani.
    Rosalie Strait reports that she and Barbara Harkleroad saw several NUTMEG MANNIKINS, including one albinistic bird (?), along the Alamitos Creek Trail,  just before it enters the gate at Almaden Lake Park. At Almaden Lake Park they observed a COMMON MERGANSER and 2 EARED GREBES.

2 October, 1999

    This morning we walked Almaden Lake Park and a portion of Los Alamitos Creek Trail.  We spotted six to 12 NUTMEG MANNIKINS along the creek.  There was also a large covey of CALIFORNIA QUAIL (at least two dozen) on the bank of the creek and a few KILLDEER on the rocky creek bed.  Several COMMON MERGANSERS were spotted in the lake and creek—Pat Curtis.

1 October, 1999

    Birds at the east end of Calero Reservoir this afternoon included 1 WESTERN GREBE, 1 NORTHERN HARRIER, 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPER, 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER,  about 10 LEAST SANDPIPERS,  3 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, and FORSTER'S and CASPIAN TERNS—John Mariani.

28 September, 1999

    Today 13 WILD TURKEYS were resting in a shady spot on the lawn at my parent's house on Henwood Road. Along Camden Avenue, between Almaden Expr. and Graystone Lane, I saw an OSPREY circling.
    I walked part of the Alamitos Creek Trail downstream from Graystone Lane, and there I had my first RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER and GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW for this fall. Stopped by Almaden Reservoir, where a SNOWY EGRET continues to hang out. A WHITE-TAILED KITE was flying over the hills by the reservoir, and I also found GOLDEN-CROWNED, WHITE-CROWNED, and LINCOLN'S SPARROWS in brush there. A FOX
SPARROW in chaparral along the trail to Bald Mountain was another local first for this fall—John Mariani.

27 September, 1999

    Shorebirds seen today at the east end of Calero Reservoir included 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPER and 1 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, but the best bird there, considering the locality, was a first-year WESTERN GULL. This is the first non-winter record we've had down here, and all other Almaden Valley sightings have been at Almaden Lake Park—John Mariani.

26 September, 1999

    Some more sightings at the upper end of Calero Reservoir...additions for the fall season: one WESTERN GREBE, two LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, and two RING-NECKED DUCKS.  One juvenile PECTORAL SANDPIPER still present on Sunday.  Close to 200 AMERICAN WIGEONS are now present, along with lesser numbers of GREEN-WINGED TEAL, CINNAMON TEAL, NORTHERN SHOVELER, NORTHERN PINTAIL, and GADWALL.  Six CASPIAN TERNS seen including one begging juvenile.  And finally, twelve WILD TURKEYS were making themselves at home in a horse corral—Ann Verdi.

25 September, 1999

    Today was a banner day for shorebirds at Calero Reservoir, with the highest numbers I've seen there. Shorebirds at the east end of the reservoir included 1 COMMON SNIPE, 5+ GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 5 DUNLIN, 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER, 4+ LEAST SANDPIPERS, 1 PECTORAL SANDPIPER, 41 BLACK-NECKED STILTS, and 70+ KILLDEER. Not only were there lots of shorebirds, but also many geese, ducks, egrets, herons, etc., plus there was still 1 AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, lots of FORSTER'S and several CASPIAN TERNS, and along the hills near the boat ramp I saw an adult GOLDEN EAGLE—John Mariani.

21 September, 1999

    Birds at the east end of Calero Reservoir today included a juvenile BAIRD'S SANDPIPER (first Almaden Valley record), an AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, 3 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS, and a flock of WILD TURKEYS—John Mariani.

19 September, 1999

    Ann Verdi reports the following bird sightings:

Almaden Reservoir:  eight WOOD DUCKS, one GREEN HERON, one GREAT EGRET, one SNOWY EGRET.

    Calero Reservoir:  Two juvenile PECTORAL SANDPIPERS still present at the upper end.  Other shorebirds included one SPOTTED SANDPIPER, five GREATER YELLOWLEGS, four LEAST SANDPIPERS, 15+ BLACK-NECKED STILTS, plus KILLDEER. Arriving wintering ducks included AMERICAN WIGEON, N. PINTAIL, GADWALL, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, N. SHOVELER.  Other birds included 20 FORSTER'S TERNS (basic-plumaged), four CASPIAN TERNS, three CANADA GEESE, four GREAT BLUE HERONS, and lots of SNOWY & GREAT EGRETS (at least 20 of each).  Nine WILD TURKEYS were seen in the hillside horse pasture.

    Almaden Lake:  three COMMON MERGANSERS and one CASPIAN TERN.

    Guadalupe Channel behind Water District Pond (at Almaden Expwy & Coleman Rd):  My first WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW of the season (an imm), and a LINCOLN'S SPARROW seen further upstream.  And to add to Almaden exotica, an ORANGE BISHOP was seen in the cattails and smartweed.  Only warblers seen were three YELLOW WARBLERS. In the early evening a mixed flock of swifts and swallows was seen over the vicinity of Meridian and Coleman.  At least 60 VAUX'S SWIFTS were seen in the mix with lesser number of swallows (appearing to be Violet-green).

17 September, 1999

    A WILLOW FLYCATCHER and a MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER were seen in willows along the Alamitos Creek Trail. They were just downstream from the picnic area, in the vicinity of exercise station # 5. Other birds found between Graystone Lane and Almaden Lake Park included 1 SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (seen in pursuit of a YELLOW WARBLER), 1 WILSON'S WARBLER, 1 NUTMEG MANNIKIN, and returning LINCOLN'S (2) and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS. A flock of 7 NUTMEG MANNIKINS was near the library on Camden Avenue—John Mariani.

15 September, 1999

    Shorebirds at the east end of Calero Reservoir today included 3 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS and 2 WESTERN SANDPIPERS—John Mariani.

12 September, 1999

    Today there were still 4 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS at the east end of Calero Reservoir—John Mariani.

11 September, 1999

    The Backyard Bird Feeder group walked this morning along the Los Alamitos Creek Trail north from the parking lot on Camden Ave. Highlights included three female COMMON MERGANSERS, two singing CALIFORNIA THRASHERS, two WILSON's and YELLOW WARBLERS, and three NUTMEG MANNIKINS a.k.a spotted munias or ricebirds—Jack Cole.

10 September, 1999

    Today 2 GOLDEN EAGLES, 16 WILD TURKEYS, and 4 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were seen at the east end of Calero Reservoir—John Mariani.

9 September, 1999

    Today 4 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were at the east end of Calero Reservoir. A flock of blackbirds there contained at least 1 TRICOLORED BLACKBIRD—John Mariani.

4 September, 1999

    Today there were 4 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS among the usual shorebirds at the east end of Calero Reservoir. The numbers of ducks there has increased, and today included NORTHERN SHOVELER, CINNAMON TEAL, NORTHERN PINTAIL, and a fairly large flock of AMERICAN WIGEON—John Mariani.

2 September, 1999

    Ann Verdi reports that this evening "at least thirty VAUX'S SWIFTS were seen with mixed swallow flocks near the intersection of Meridian Ave & Coleman Rd.  As in previous years, the swifts appeared to be moving along a corridor coming from the south.  In the early evenings these birds forage over the ponds along Coleman Rd and the Water District at Almaden Expwy."

25 August, 1999

    Barbara Harkleroad reports that a LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE was observed today near the overlook and bench at Guadalupe Oak Grove Park.

16 August, 1999

    Today, at Calero Reservoir, birds seen included WHITE-TAILED KITE, CASPIAN and FORSTER'S TERNS, about 15 BLACK-NECKED STILTS, 4 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 3 LEAST SANDPIPERS, 3 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, and 2 SPOTTED SANDPIPERS. Most of the shorebirds were along the shallow inlet near Bailey Road, which I'll call Bailey Cove from now on. This area has the potential for good shorebirding.
    On the vegetated island in Almaden Lake there were quite a few birds gathered, including GREEN HERON, BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, and numerous egrets and terns. A COMMON MERGANSER was also seen at the lake today. At least 6 WILD TURKEYS were seen in the Santa Teresa Hills near Henwood Road—John Mariani.

15 August, 1999

    Ann Verdi reports the following sightings:

• Mt. Umunhum (Bald Mountain Trail):  Many young of the year, including BUSHTIT, CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE, OAK TITMOUSE, DARK-EYED JUNCO, and BEWICK'S WREN. Also there were young CALIFORNIA THRASHERS feeding on ripening elderberries, and BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER was seen.

• Almaden Reservoir:  Two GREEN HERONS, one SNOWY EGRET, and a young PIED-BILLED GREBE still showing striping about the face. No Wood Ducks or Wild Turkeys were seen this weekend.

• Stile Ranch Trail:  Two LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES were seen at start of the trail.

8 August, 1999

    "At Almaden Reservoir, four WOOD DUCKS including two almost fully-grown young were seen in the backwaters upstream of the reservoir.  Six WILD TURKEYS were seen on the O'Day property along Alamitos Rd, including a female accompanying a young one crossing the road. Birds seen at Calero Reservoir included ten BLACK-NECKED STILTS, one basic-plumaged SPOTTED SANDPIPER, three CANADA GEESE, plus CASPIAN and FORSTER'S TERNS (including several juvenile Forster's Terns).  Ten WILD TURKEYS were feeding on grain with the horses in a hillside pasture.  Three HOODED ORIOLES (two female and one imm male) were seen in the blackberry brambles on the levee path leading to the upper end of the reservoir"—Ann Verdi.

7 August, 1999

    A male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was seen at Calero Reservoir today. It was with a large mixed flock of blackbirds at the boat launch on McKean Road—John Mariani.

4 August, 1999

    Receding waters at Calero Reservoir are creating some good shorebird habitat, especially near the intersection with Bailey Road. Today a LESSER YELLOWLEGS was there, along with 1-3 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 1 LEAST SANDPIPER, 10+ BLACK-NECKED STILTS, and numerous KILLDEER. This is a spot to keep an eye on as the shorebird migration builds. An immature LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE was seen on a nearby hillside.
    At the swampy inflow to Almaden Reservoir sightings included a GREAT EGRET and a SNOWY EGRET. Either egret is an unusual sight at this foothill reservoir (in fact the Snowy may be a first record for this locality!), although both species are quite common on the valley floor—John Mariani.

5 July, 1999

    The nesting season continues, with more evidence of breeding observed at Twin Creeks. Mike Mammoser reports "a WILD TURKEY with two poults right at the entrance to the O'Day's. Also near this spot were: CALIFORNIA QUAIL with half-grown young, VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW entering a nest cavity in a sycamore, AMERICAN ROBIN building a nest, and a CASSIN'S VIREO carrying food. A single scruffy male WOOD DUCK was on the reservoir."

30 June, 1999

    A GREEN HERON was at the flooded upper end of Alamden Reservoir. Upstream from the reservoir, at the O'Day property, birds today included OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, YELLOW WARBLER, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and PURPLE FINCH. An out-of-place GREAT EGRET was seen at Guadalupe Reservoir, where finding any egret species is quite unusual—John Mariani.

27 June, 1999

    From Ann Verdi: "On Sunday, June 27, a female COMMON MERGANSER with 8 ducklings was seen upstream of Almaden Reservoir along Herbert Creek by the O'Day property. Also on the same day a family of four newly-fledged WESTERN KINGBIRDS plus two adults were seen by the corral at Fortini and San Vicente Rds at the base of the Santa Teresa Hills."
    Frank Vanslager reports that from 9:00 to 9:15 pm this evening he was treated to a serenade by multiple COMMON POORWILLS at that flat area just below the Senator Mines ruins in Almaden Quicksilver County Park.  He also managed to see one fluttering by at 9:10 pm. This area is a short walk up the trail from the McAbee Road entrance to the park.

26 June, 1999

    Mike Mammoser reports finding "numerous RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS singing in Santa Teresa County Park," as well as seeing an adult COOPER'S HAWK being harrassed by a WESTERN KINGBIRD.

20 June, 1999

    Mike Mammoser reports a pair of GOLDEN EAGLES in Santa Teresa County Park.

12 June, 1999

    A couple of interesting sightings reported by Ann Verdi: "A juvenile HAIRY WOODPECKER still showing vestiges of downy feathering was seen pecking away at a dead snag at the intersection of New Almaden and Hacienda Trails - near the Mockingbird Hill entrance...In the early evening a COMMON POORWILL was seen on the dirt trail at the intersection of Senator Mines and New Almaden Trails - near the McAbee entrance."

10 June, 1999

    Today I walked the Alamitos Creek Trail from Almaden Lake upstream to its confluence with the Arroyo Calero. Birds included COMMON MERGANSERS, BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS, WESTERN KINGBIRD, YELLOW WARBLER (3; pair and a singing male downstream from Graystone Lane), and HOODED ORIOLES (fledglings being fed by a first-spring male)—John Mariani. 

8 June, 1999: Mike Rogers reports the following observations from the Almaden Valley section of his breeding bird survey route: "West of the IBM plant a RED-TAILED HAWK nest was on a high voltage tower and the GOLDEN EAGLE nest below Calero Reservoir had two large young with the pair of adults on the next tower over.
    At least six CASPIAN TERNS at Calero Reservoir were of interest and one pair was involved in courtship feeding.
    New Almaden had the usual OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, a singing YELLOW WARBLER, an adult RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, and a flyover WOOD DUCK.
    Further up towards Almaden Reservoir was a singing WESTERN TANAGER (probably breeding here).  The reservoir itself had 3 female COMMON MERGANSERS, all three VIREOS, and another RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, this one carrying food.
    Hick's Road had lots of ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS (including adults feeding young) and a singing PURPLE FINCH.  Stop 48 produced a HAIRY WOODPECKER but failed to provide the usual WILSON'S WARBLER, which was heard singing in transit to stop 49 instead."

31 May, 1999

    Ann Verdi reports seeing a basic-plumaged COMMON LOON at Calero Reservoir. This late spring sighting is unusual but not unprecedented.

29 May, 1999

    In the vicinity of Twin Creeks, at about noon today, Hugh McDevitt found BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, WARBLING VIREO, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER (feeding nestlings right by the road), OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW, YELLOW WARBLER, HOUSE WREN, HERMIT THRUSH (very late!), also lots of BULLOCK'S ORIOLES, and a pair of unidentified swifts.
    I was also birding in the Twin Creeks area today, and heard a WESTERN TANAGER along Alamitos Road near the junction with Hicks Road. On Mt. Umunhum Road above the closed gate I saw OLIVE-SIDED and ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERS and LAZULI BUNTING—John Mariani.  

22 May, 1999

    Today a singing BLACK-CHINNED SPARROW was near the beginning of the trail to Bald Mountain. To get there, take Hicks Road to Mt. Umunhum Rd., drive 1.7 mile to where a gate blocks the road, and walk the fire road through the gate to the left. The bird was just downslope from the trail close to the trailhead. Also in this area were LAZULI BUNTING, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, and ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER.
    At the intersection of Alamitos Road and Hicks Road near Almaden Reservoir there was an OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (with another upstream near Twin Creeks), also WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, an ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, and 2 singing LAZULI BUNTINGS. Just upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir I heard a WILSON'S WARBLER, and there were also quite a few BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS there—John Mariani.

16 May, 1999

    Today Ann Verdi led two SCVAS trips, billed as a "2-4-1." Reported highlights from  Almaden Quicksilver County Park (Mine Hill-Guadalupe-Senator Mines loop)  included VAUX'S SWIFT, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, WESTERN TANAGER, WARBLING VIREO, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, CALIFORNIA THRASHER, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, and TOWNSEND'S WARBLER.  The second outing was to Guadalupe Oak Grove Park, where an  OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was the big surprise.
    A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK nest high in a eucalyptus tree along Henwood Road now holds at least 2 downy young. A VAUX'S SWIFT was seen flying over the hills there. PACIFIC-SLOPE and ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERS, WARBLING VIREO, WESTERN BLUEBIRD, and YELLOW WARBLER were among the species found upstream from Harry Road along the Arroyo Calero and on the edge of the adjacent IBM property. An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE were heard at the junction of Alamitos and Hicks Roads. At the beginning of the trail to Bald Mountain, near the locked gate on Mt. Umunhum Road, birds included ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERS, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS, a singing RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW, and a singing male LAZULI BUNTING—John Mariani. 

May 13, 1999

    Garth Harwood reports that a couple of YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIES and a WESTERN KINGBIRD were along San Vicente Rd., which is near the western boundary to Santa Teresa County Park. Near the west end of the park (Stile Ranch Trail) he also noted numerous RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS singing in the chaparral. A single CHUKAR, obviously escaped from a nearby pen. was observed along Fortini Rd. Steve Rottenborn reports that a check of Almaden Lake "produced 4 SNOWY EGRET nests (birds sitting on 2 nests as though incubating, standing on the other 2), a GREAT EGRET nest with an apparently incubating bird, and a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON nest (adult arranging sticks on nest) on the Phragmites-covered island.  More nests may have been present, but it was difficult to see everything in the Phragmites. Seven broods of CANADA GEESE were also present."

May 8, 1999

    Birds observed on a walk from Almaden Reservoir to Twin Creeks included OLIVE-SIDED, ASH-THROATED, and PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS, CASSIN'S and WARBLING VIREOS, HOUSE WREN, ORANGE-CROWNED, YELLOW, and WILSON'S WARBLERS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and NORTHERN ORIOLE. An AMERICAN DIPPER was between the two bridges upstream from the cabin area. A singing NASHVILLE WARBLER was seen along Hicks Road, in oak woodland between Guadalupe Reservoir and the junction with Mt. Umunhum Road. A male WESTERN TANAGER was atop a sycamore along Guadalupe Creek just upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir—John Mariani.

1 May, 1999

    Hugh McDevitt reports seeing a DUNLIN in alternate plumage and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER at the SCVWD Pond. Birds seen/heard during a morning walk from Almaden Lake Park upstream to Harry Road included a lingering adult HERRING GULL (at the lake), 6 COMMON MERGANSERS, 1 female Selasphorous-type hummingbird, numerous PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS, 1 HUTTON'S VIREO,  7-8 WARBLING VIREOS, HOUSE WREN, 1 YELLOW WARBLER, at least 4 WILSON'S WARBLERS, 1 BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, 3 HOODED ORIOLES, and plenty of BULLOCK'S ORIOLES—John Mariani.

29 April, 1999

    Today, at Calero Reservoir, birds seen included an OSPREY, a SPOTTED SANDPIPER, a pair of CINNAMON TEAL, a female COMMON GOLDENEYE, and single SAVANNAH and LINCOLN'S SPARROWS—all birds missed by last weekend's birdathon team. There were also many easily approachable CASPIAN and FORSTER'S TERNS at the parking area by the boat ramp. At the SCVWD Pond there were numerous VAUX'S SWIFTS and TREE SWALLOWS, and shorebirds included LEAST and WESTERN SANDPIPERS—John Mariani.

28 April, 1999

    Hugh McDevitt reports a large flock (counted 25-30) of CASPIAN TERNS, a SPOTTED SANDPIPER, and 2 probable WESTERN SANDPIPERS at Calero Reservoir, and a GOLDEN EAGLE along Santa Teresa Blvd.

25 April, 1999

    Today Mike Feighner searched unsuccessfully for the Solitary Sandpiper found the previous day along the Guadalupe River behind the SCVWD Pond. Although the Solitary Sandpiper appears to be gone, he did find 2 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, 2 LEAST SANDPIPERS, and 1 GREATER YELLOWLEGS.

24 April, 1999

    The Birdathon team of Ann Verdi and John Mariani ("the Almaden Eagles ") today tallied 118 species between Blossom Hill Road and Chesbro Reservoir. Highlights included a NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL seen along Hicks Road upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir,  a GREATER ROADRUNNER perched on a hillside madrone along Henwood Road, and the prize bird, a SOLITARY SANDPIPER, in the Guadalupe River behind the SCVWD Pond on Almaden Expressway. Other interesting sightings included a GOLDEN EAGLE sitting on its nest along McKean Road, WILD TURKEYS at Twin Creeks and at the beginning of Mount Umunhum Road, LEAST and  WESTERN SANDPIPERS at the same place as the Solitary Sandpiper, an AMERICAN DIPPER near the second bridge upstream from Twin Creeks, a pair of BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS along Mount Umunhum Road, and HORNED LARKS and LARK SPARROWS along the Stile Ranch Trail in the Santa Teresa Hills. Among the worst misses were Hermit Thrush (seen the day before), Rock Wren, and White-crowned and Lincoln's Sparrows—John Mariani.
    Hugh McDevitt reports that on a walk into Almaden Quicksilver County Park from the Mockingbird Hill entrance he today obsereved an interesting variety of bird species, including WESTERN TANAGER. 

19 April, 1999

    Ann Verdi did some birding over the weekend (April 17-18), and reports the following: "Near the O'Day property along Alamitos Rd I found YELLOW WARBLER, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, WILD TURKEY, COMMON MERGANSER...and one WOOD DUCK." At Calero Reservoir "there were some EARED GREBES (now coming into breeding plumage) near the dam.  At the upper end, not too many waterfowl, but did see some scaup - a pair of LESSER SCAUP and two male GREATER SCAUP - also a few WESTERN GREBES. The male CINNAMON TEAL was still around...TREE SWALLOWS are still going in and out of nesting holes in the large dead tree upstream of the reservoir."

17 April, 1999

    Highlights of today's SCVAS field trip to Alamitos Creek included a female GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE and an apparent female BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD at Almaden Lake Park. The grackle was first spotted by Frank Vanslager on one of the little islands of vegetation in the lake, and later flew to the shore where it perched briefly atop a small tree. The hummingbird was along the lakeshore near the creek inflow and picnic tables. CANADA GEESE have nested at the lake, as evidenced by the presence of goslings. Birds seen along the Alamitos Creek Trail included 2 GADWALL, COMMON MERGANSER, RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, 1 adult GOLDEN EAGLE, a BELTED KINGFISHER, several species of woodpeckers (including a RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER near Graystone Lane), at least 4 WESTERN KINGBIRDS, PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, CALIFORNIA THRASHER, 1 male BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, plenty of HOODED and BULLOCK'S ORIOLES, and 2 NUTMEG MANNIKINS (a.k.a. Spotted Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, or Rice Finch). The manikins are an exotic bird you won't find in most North American field guides. It is a goldfinch-sized bird with a short tail, dark brown upperparts, a black bill, and black scalloping on the male's breast and flanks—John Mariani.

14 April, 1999

    Bob Reiling reports that highlights of today's SCVAS field trip to Almaden Quicksilver County Park included a male BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD and an early returning WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE.

12 April, 1999

    A GREATER ROADRUNNER was observed this afternoon on private property in the Santa Teresa Hills (the location is uphill from the junction of Via Santa Teresa and Henwood Road). A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was sitting on its nest in a nearby eucalyptus. Birds seen while hiking in the Santa Teresa Hills near the IBM facility included WHITE-TAILED KITE, ROCK WREN, and RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW.
    At least 3 NUTMEG MANNIKINS (a.k.a. Spotted or Scaly-breasted Munia, Rice Finch) were along the Alamitos Creek Trail just upstream from Almaden Lake. Farther upstream along the trail, near the wooded picnic area, a RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH was observed in an oak (this picnic area is just downstream from the wooden footbridge on Camden Avenue near Graystone Lane). COMMON MERGANSERS, RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, and PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHERS were also along the trail.
    About 6 WOOD DUCKS were seen at the flooded upper end of Almaden Reservoir. Returning migrants were scarce at Twin Creeks, but HOUSE WREN, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, and BULLOCK'S ORIOLES were present. A WILSON'S WARBLER was singing along Guadalupe Creek upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir—John Mariani. 

11 April, 1999

    Late this afternoon, at Calero Reservoir, there were HUNDREDS of TREE SWALLOWS flying over the water (in our area Tree Swallows are usually reported in single digits, so this concentration is noteworthy). There were other swallow species there as well, but in far lesser numbers. An OSPREY and GOLDEN EAGLE were also in the area—John Mariani. 
    And from Ann Verdi comes this report: "Along Alamitos Road upstream of Almaden Reservoir, a pair of WOOD DUCKS flew out of the woods upstream and landed in the backwaters, three WILD TURKEYS were seen crossing Alamitos Road, and a LINCOLN'S SPARROW was in the brush near the O'Day property.  Three WOOD DUCKS (two males and one female) were seen upstream of Calero Reservoir near the ranger station.  At the upper end of Calero Reservoir were nine WESTERN GREBES, ten COMMON MERGANERS, one CINNAMON TEAL, and as John Mariani has already reported there were swallows galore (mostly Tree, Barn, Violet-Green, and Cliff).  N. ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS were seen in the Guadalupe channel behind the Water District Pond."

10 April, 1999

    Birds seen along the Alamitos Creek Trail downstream from Graystone Lane included a GADWALL, COMMON MERGANSERS,  a MERLIN, numerous MYRTLE and AUDUBON'S-type YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, and both HOODED and BULLOCK'S ORIOLES. A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen farther upstream, along Camden Avenue—John Mariani.

7 April, 1999

    An OSPREY was seen flying north over the Santa Teresa Hills this afternoon. A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was observed carrying material to a nest in a eucalyptus on a hillside along Henwood Road—John Mariani.

6 April, 1999

    Returning migrants noted over the past weekend included first local spring sightings of BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER and CASSIN'S VIREO (reported by Ann Verdi), and a HOODED ORIOLE (reported by Barbara Harkleroad). Olive-sided Flycatcher and Western Wood-Pewee should arrive within the next week or two...

27 March, 1999

    Today, along Alamitos Creek near Graystone Lane, a male BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK was seen. Other returning migrants included a PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER heard along Bertram Road in New Almaden, and male BULLOCK'S ORIOLES observed along Henwood Road and at the corner of Camden and Harry Road (this latter sighting reported by Hugh McDevitt). Nesting has also commenced; a hen MALLARD with 12 ducklings in tow was on Alamitos Creek at the footbridge near Graystone Lane. At the flooded upper end of Almaden Reservoir there were 2-3 male WOOD DUCKS. Migrants to be expected in the next week or so include House Wren, Warbling Vireo, Yellow Warbler, and Hooded Oriole (in fact, some of these are probably already present)—John Mariani.
    Mike Mammoser reports that today there was still a HORNED GREBE at Calero Reservoir, and that a GOLDEN EAGLE was still on its power tower nest just north of the reservoir.

21 March, 1999

    Today a RED-THROATED LOON was still at the east end of Calero Reservoir. A HORNED GREBE and SPOTTED SANDPIPER were also seen there—John Mariani.

18 March, 1999

    A CLARK'S GREBE, 16 COMMON MERGANSERS, and thousands of VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS were at Calero Reservoir today—John Mariani.

17 March, 1999

    At the SCVWD Pond there were NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED and (2) TREE SWALLOWS. A GREEN HERON, a COMMON MOORHEN, and a GREATER YELLOWLEGS were along the nearby Guadalupe River—John Mariani.

15 March, 1999

    Bruce Barrett reports that today the pair of NUTMEG MANNIKINS (a.k.a. Spotted or Scaly-breasted Munia, Spice Finch) were still nest-building at Almaden Lake Park.

14 March, 1999

    A BARN OWL was seen in flight near the entrance to the IBM facility on Harry Road after midnight—John Mariani.

13 March, 1999

    Birds seen at Calero Reservoir today included a RED-THROATED LOON (probably not the same bird seen earlier by Steve Rottenborn—this one did not appear to be leucistic), a COMMON LOON, 4 CINNAMON TEAL, 11 COMMON GOLDENEYES, about 30 COMMON MERGANSERS, and WHITE-THROATED SWIFT. There were also BARN, CLIFF, VIOLET-GREEN, and NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS in the area, and 2 male TRICOLORED BLACKBIRDS were seen in a large mixed flock of blackbirds & cowbirds at the boat launch—John Mariani.
    Ann Verdi reports that at Calero County Park she also observed "several vocal courting TREE SWALLOWS around the dead cottonwood in the backwaters near the horse stables.  One Tree Swallow was going in and out of a potential nesting hole near the base of the tree."

10 March, 1999

William Eklund reports a pair of exotic birds constructing a nest at Almaden Lake Park. From his description the birds appear to be NUTMEG MANNIKINS (also known by several other names, including Spotted Munia). This species, a resident of Southeast Asia and popular cage bird, has been seen in the area before—a flock (or possibly flocks?) were recently (1998) observed near the lake. If you are in the area watch for a small goldfinch-like bird with a conical black bill, rufous-brown head and upperparts, white underparts, and black scaling on the breast and flanks.

9 March, 1999

    From Steve Rottenborn: "At Calero Reservoir, I saw a very pale (possibly leucistic) RED-THROATED LOON, 3 COMMON LOONS, and 43 female COMMON MERGANSERS (no males!)." This evening the ROSS'S GOOSE and SNOW GOOSE were still at Almaden Lake Park, along with 22 COMMON MERGANSERS—John Mariani.

7 March, 1999

    Some of our migrant songbirds are starting to reappear. Today Mike Mammoser had "quite a few ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS at Almaden Quicksilver Park singing on territory." He also reported hearing a few gobbles from WILD TURKEY, and had PURPLE FINCHES singing there. At Calero Reservoir he found the GOLDEN EAGLES again nesting on a power tower (the 4th one from the road). They are nesting on a metal platform, and an eagle was sitting on the nest today. At Almaden Lake Park he noted the continued presence of the immature SNOW GOOSE and ROSS'S GOOSE.
    Ann Verdi, leading a SCVAS field trip to Almaden Quicksilver Park, also noted the return of Orange-crowned Warblers.  Highlights from her field trip included HUTTON'S VIREOS, a VARIED THRUSH in a heavily wooded gulch at the base of Hacienda Trail, at least 9 WOOD DUCKS in the flooded upper reaches of  Almaden Reservoir, VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS in the hills near Twin Creeks, and a MERLIN at the O'Day property (Twin Creeks).

6 March, 1999

    Ann Verdi reports that the ROSS'S GOOSE and imm. SNOW GOOSE were seen again at Almaden Lake. Of local interest, she noted, were "five CINNAMON TEAL by the outflow (this is not a common species in the Almaden area)."

25 February, 1999

    Today the ROSS'S GOOSE and imm. SNOW GOOSE were still at Almaden Lake Park, but the Red-necked Grebe appears to be gone (no sightings since the 13th). A COMMON YELLOWTHROAT was in marsh vegetation bordering the lake. Birds seen from the boat launch at Calero Reservoir included at least 5 COMMON LOONS, 22 COMMON MERGANSERS, an OSPREY, and a FORSTER'S TERN—John Mariani.

23 February, 1999

    The adult BALD EAGLE was perched (again) in an oak on the west end of Calero Reservoir this morning about 8 AM—Hugh McDevitt.

21 February, 1999

    A female HOODED ORIOLE was seen today at a site to which there is no official public access. The ROSS'S GOOSE and imm. SNOW GOOSE were by the swimming area at Almaden Lake Park, associating with coots and gulls (mostly RING-BILLED, but also one MEW)—Ann Verdi.
    Today, while taking part in the Great Backyard Bird Count, I found a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW along the Arroyo Calero. From Harry Road (near its intersection with Camden Avenue) follow the path paralleling the creek upstream. The bird was in brush to the right of the trail, and was just a short distance past a green metal gate on the left. Farther on this path skirts the the foot of the Santa Teresa Hills, where I saw a NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW flying northward, and had a brief view of a HOUSE WREN in hillside chaparral. A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen from Harry Road. A COMMON LOON, a CLARK'S GREBE, and about 100 VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS were seen at Calero Reservoir—John Mariani.
    Bob Lutman, while also doing the Great Backyard Bird Count, saw a RINGED TURTLE-DOVE (escaped cage bird) at a feeder in his yard (located near the intersection of Bernal Rd. and Santa Teresa Blvd).

20 February, 1999

    Al Eisner reports 8-10 THAYER'S GULLS, 3 COMMON MERGANSERS, and 1 COMMON MOORHEN at Almaden Lake Park, and 6 COMMON LOONS, at least 24 COMMON MERGANSERS, and 1 SURF SCOTER at Calero Reservoir. Ann Verdi saw a flotilla of 50+ COMMON MERGANSERS at Calero Reservoir, and counted 40 WOOD DUCKS at Almaden Reservoir.

19 February, 1999

    This morning Hugh McDevitt saw 5-6 VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS at Calero Reservoir. Later in the day I also visited the reservoir, and from the boat launch saw 3 COMMON LOONS, 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, 7 BONAPARTE'S GULLS, and 1 FORSTER'S TERN. There were many RING-NECKED DUCKS and a few GREATER SCAUP in a large flock of ducks at the east end of the reservoir. The imm. SNOW GOOSE and ROSS'S GOOSE were still at Almaden Lake Park—John Mariani.

17 February, 1999

    Today there were at least 7 species of gulls at Almaden Lake Park, including 1 first-year GLAUCOUS GULL, 1 MEW GULL, and CALIFORNIA, RING-BILLED, HERRING, THAYER'S, and GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS—John Mariani.

16 February, 1999

    Today there was a first-year GLAUCOUS GULL in a flock of mostly HERRING and THAYER'S GULLS at the inflow to Almaden Lake. A smaller whitish gull there was a candidate for Iceland Gull. At the SCVWD Pond there was a MERLIN perched atop one of the sycamores, and a TREE SWALLOW was seen flying away. Birds at Calero Reservoir included a COMMON LOON, several COMMON GOLDENEYES, and 5 BONAPARTE'S GULLS—John Mariani.

15 February, 1999

    Today, at Calero Reservoir,  Jan Hintermeister reports seeing the adult BALD EAGLE  (perched on an oak at the west end of  the reservoir), 1 GOLDEN EAGLE, WHITE-TAILED KITES, 2 COMMON LOONS, 1 CLARK'S GREBE, and a dozen LEAST SANDPIPERS.

13 February, 1999

    Hugh McDevitt reports seeing an adult BALD EAGLE near the 4-way stop where McKean Rd. meets Harry Rd. It perched in a eucalyptus there, and then flew south toward Calero Reservoir, pursued by a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK. He also saw the ROSS'S GOOSE and SNOW GOOSE, still at Almaden Lake.
    And from Ann Verdi: At Calero Reservoir, three COMMON LOONS were seen.  Two were near the boat launching dock and the third was farther out in the reservoir.  Two TREE SWALLOWS were seen over the reservoir.  Although the waterfowl are beginning to disperse, there was still a good variety of duck species seen, including Green-winged Teal, Mallard, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Common Merganser, and lots of Ruddy Ducks.  I did not see the Bald Eagle this time.
    At Almaden Lake, the RED-NECKED GREBE was still present, and a CLARK'S GREBE was seen as well.  The two small geese (ROSS'S and imm SNOW GOOSE) were seen at noon time.  Earlier in the day (8:00 am), I saw these two geese with the local Canada Goose flock at DeAnza Park off Meridian between Kooser & Blossom Hill across the street from Mervyn's, so it appears these small geese are making the rounds throughout the Almaden area with the locals. The minima Canada Goose, which has been hanging around with them, was not seen.  As for gulls, I counted 268 HERRING GULLS and at least six THAYER'S GULLS. At Almaden Reservoir, twenty WOOD DUCKS were seen.

11 February, 1999

    The SNOW GOOSE and ROSS'S GOOSE remain at Almaden Lake Park. There was also a HORNED GREBE there. An interesting first-winter gull, with very pale plumage and whitish wing tips, was with the large gull flock there at noon—John Mariani.

10 February, 1999

    This morning 2 COMMON RAVENS were seen flying along Santa Teresa Blvd. near its intersection with Bailey Rd. A COMMON LOON, an adult BALD EAGLE, an adult GOLDEN EAGLE, COMMON GOLDENEYES, and AMERICAN PIPITS were observed at Calero Reservoir this afternoon—John Mariani.

7 February, 1999

    At Calero Reservoir, 12-2PM: There were 6 COMMON LOONS near the boat ramp. Five were in a tight group while the 6th was further off. Later a couple of jet skiers disturbed the eastern half of the lake and the birds moved towards the western shore. Also near the boat ramp, a flock of about 25 AMERICAN PIPITS. Several BUFFLEHEADS near the boat ramp. Later I walked towards the west end over the spillway. A lone adult BALD EAGLE was perched on a tree on the northern shore. As it got windier the bird flew across the lake to a tree on the other side. As rain picked up, 2 GOLDEN EAGLES took off from the south shore. One went into a dive, crossed the lake, flew in front of me at eye-level, spooked a WHITE-TAILED KITE off a tree, and then scattered a group of C. GOLDENEYES and CANVASBACKS. Then it flew back to the south shore to join the other bird. I was thoroughly drenched by now, so did not go any further. There was a SAY'S PHOEBE near the spillway—Vivek Tiwari.
    The RED-NECKED GREBE was still present at Lake Almaden; however, the three little geese (ROSS'S, imm. SNOW, and minima CANADA) were seen in a different location.  This time they were found with the flock of larger local Canada Geese in an open field off Almaden Expwy between Hwy 85 and Chynoweth.  And finally, thirty WOOD DUCKS were at Almaden Reservoir—Ann Verdi.

6 February, 1999

    Gloria LeBlanc reports seeing 2 BALD EAGLES, an adult and an immature bird, both perched and cavorting together in the air at Calero Reservoir.

4 February, 1999

    A COMMON LOON, 60+ EARED GREBES, about 20 COMMON GOLDENEYES, an OSPREY, a pair of adult GOLDEN EAGLES, and several BONAPARTE'S GULLS were seen today from the boat launch at Calero Reservoir. The RED-NECKED GREBE, ROSS'S GOOSE, SNOW GOOSE, and minima CANADA GOOSE were still at Almaden Lake Park, where at dusk a flock of about 20 COMMON MERGANSERS gathered for a feeding frenzy at the inflow to the lake—John Mariani.

1 February, 1999

    The RED-NECKED GREBE, ROSS'S GOOSE, SNOW GOOSE, minima CANADA GOOSE, and SPOTTED SANDPIPER were still at Almaden Lake Park—John Mariani.

31 January, 1999

    At Calero Reservoir the adult BALD EAGLE and 1 COMMON LOON were still present at the west end of the reservoir.  At the eastern upper end an adult female OSPREY was seen perched on a snag on the mudflats. At Almaden Lake the ROSS'S GOOSE, imm. SNOW GOOSE, and minima CANADA GOOSE, were still present, and associating with the coot flock rather than the resident Canada Goose flock.  Also seen there were a pair of HOODED MERGANSERS and 29 COMMON MERGANSERS, with 6 more seen upstream. At the SCVWD Pond (near Almaden Exp. & Coleman Rd) an AMERICAN BITTERN flushed from the cattails on the pond and flew over the levee to land in the cattails on Guadalupe River.  The GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL was still present. At Almaden Reservoir there were 54 WOOD DUCKS—Ann Verdi.

30 January, 1999

    At Almaden Lake Park, I saw the RED-NECKED GREBE, the SNOW GOOSE, the ROSS'S GOOSE, the minima CANADA GOOSE, a RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, 10 or so COMMON MERGANSERS, and a CALIFORNIA THRASHER (a second one was singing, but not visible)—Mark Miller. A male RED JUNGLEFOWL (exotic chicken) was near the dam at Almaden Reservoir. A few WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS were also seen near Almaden Reservoir, and Guadalupe Reservoir had 25 RING-NECKED DUCKS—Vivek Tiwari.

29 January, 1999

    The SNOW GOOSE, ROSS'S GOOSE, minima CANADA GOOSE, and RED-NECKED GREBE were still at Almaden Lake Park today. A SPOTTED SANDPIPER and 2-3 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS were also there. Along Alamitos Creek, just downstream from Graystone Road (but upstream from the footbridge), there were 2 RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKERS—John Mariani.

28 January, 1999

    The immature SNOW GOOSE, ROSS'S GOOSE, minima CANADA GOOSE, and RED-NECKED GREBE were still at Almaden Lake Park today—John Mariani. In addition, Steve Rottenborn reports finding an adult SNOW GOOSE at Almaden Lake.

27 January, 1999

    An immature SNOW GOOSE, a ROSS'S GOOSE, and a minima CANADA GOOSE formed an unlikely trio at Almaden Lake Park. The RED-NECKED GREBE was also still there—John Mariani. Two GOLDEN EAGLES, a pair of WHITE-TAILED KITES, and a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK were seen in the Santa Teresa Hills by Bob Lutman.

25 January, 1999

    The RED-NECKED GREBE was still at Almaden Lake. Numerous COMMON MERGANSERS and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER were also seen there. Birds seen just upstream, along Alamitos Creek, included more COMMON MERGANSERS, a GREEN HERON, a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, and a BELTED KINGFISHER—John Mariani.

24 January, 1999

    Edward Rooks and Tom Grey both reported seeing a BALD EAGLE at Calero Reservoir today. Edward specified that the one he saw this afternoon was an immature bird. Other birds that he observed there included a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK and an unidentified falcon. Ann Verdi reports that 1 COMMON LOON was still present at the west end of Calero Reservoir, 30 WOOD DUCKS were seen at Almaden Reservoir, and the RED-NECKED GREBE was still at Almaden Lake.

22 January, 1999

    This afternoon a GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL and a THAYER'S GULL were seen at the SCVWD Pond, a MEW GULL was at Almaden Lake, and an OSPREY was fishing in the adjacent Guadalupe River. An immature BALD EAGLE was seen from the boat launch at Calero Reservoir (not the adult bird that has been present for several weeks). The eagle was circling over the hills along McKean Road—John Mariani.

21 January, 1999

    Today, while hiking in Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Edward Rooks and I saw 3 WOOD DUCKS on Guadalupe Reservoir, 3 RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, a pair of WHITE-TAILED KITES along the ridge between the reservoir and the Senator Mines Area, and 2 VARIED THRUSHES in woods along Guadalupe Creek. A possibly injured WESTERN SCREECH-OWL was found roosting in a barn on private property at  the base of the Santa Teresa Hills—John Mariani.

20 January, 1999

    At Almaden Lake the RED-NECKED GREBE was still present, and there was a ROSS'S GOOSE with the CANADA GEESE that arrived there just before dusk (maybe the missing 8th bird from the flock of 7 on Bailey Road?). Other birds at Almaden Lake included 29+ COMMON MERGANSERS, COMMON GOLDENEYES, 3 COMMON MOORHENS, and 1 RED-SHOULDERED HAWK. A CALIFORNIA THRASHER was singing just upstream from the footbridge at the lake—John Mariani.

19 January, 1999

    Hugh McDevitt reports seeing the adult BALD EAGLE from the boat ramp at Calero Reservoir.  It was perched on a distant oak to the west (dam side of the reservoir). A loon (probably a Common Loon, but it was too far away to tell) was also still at Calero Reservoir (JMa). Just east of our area, in a field on the north side of Bailey Road between Santa Teresa Blvd. and Monterey Highway, a flock of CANADA GEESE, 7 ROSS'S GEESE, and 1 immature SNOW GOOSE were seen late this afternoon (JMa). Mike Rogers reported that on January 15th there were 8 ROSS'S GEESE, 1 immature SNOW GOOSE, 1 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, and a FERRUGINOUS HAWK in this area.

17 January, 1999

    Al Eisner reported that the RED-NECKED GREBE was still at Almaden Lake Park, and 2 COMMON LOONS and 1 HORNED GREBE were at Calero Reservoir. Edward Rooks reports seeing a GOLDEN EAGLE and a flock of about 20 YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIES in Almaden Quicksilver County Park.

16 January, 1999

    Tom Grey saw a pair of GOLDEN EAGLES at Calero Reservoir. He also reports that the MAGNOLIA WARBLER was still at the picnic area north of the footbridge on the east side of Alamitos Creek. He says that "the bird was really moving along, foraging on and close to the ground." At Almaden Lake Park the RED-NECKED GREBE was seen by Mike Mammoser. In the late afternoon Jolene Lange and I saw the adult BALD EAGLE perched atop an oak on the west side of Calero Reservoir, and an OSPREY standing on the east shore. We later watched the Bald Eagle pursue the Osprey and force it to relinquish a fish it had caught. The eagle caught the fish in mid-air and then returned to the oak to consume its prize—John Mariani.

14 January, 1999

    Along Alamitos Creek, upstream from the Camden Avenue bridge, I saw a RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER and female YELLOW-SHAFTED (NORTHERN) FLICKER—John Mariani.

January 13, 1999

    John Meyer reports that today the MAGNOLIA WARBLER was seen north of the picnic tables on the east side of Alamitos Creek. Bob Reiling reports that an adult male hybrid  BARROW'S/COMMON GOLDENEYE was at Almaden Lake Park, and he also noted the continued presence there of the RED-NECKED GREBE. His highlights from today's SCVAS field trip to Calero Reservoir included a pair of adult GOLDEN EAGLES, an immature PEREGRINE FALCON, an  immature COOPER'S HAWK, several WILD TURKEYS, but no Bald Eagle :-(  Late this afternoon Tom Grey and I also saw the RED-NECKED GREBE at Almaden Lake. There were  still 5 species of grebes there (Clark's was the one absent). COMMON MERGANSERS, COMMON MOORHENS, and THAYER'S GULLS were seen near the creek inflow at the lake—John Mariani.

January 12, 1999

    The MAGNOLIA WARBLER on Alamitos Creek was seen at noon today opposite the emergency phone, right alongside the footpath, by Bruce Barrett. Farther upstream along Alamitos Creek, between Graystone Lane and the bridge on Camden Avenue, birds seen today included  a trio of WOOD DUCKS, 1 COMMON GOLDENEYE, 2+ RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS, a YELLOW-SHAFTED (NORTHERN) FLICKER, a CALIFORNIA THRASHER, and  PURPLE FINCHES—John Mariani.

January 11, 1999

    Bob Reiling reports that he (along with Kathy Parker and Frank Vanslager) saw the tailless MAGNOLIA WARBLER in weeds on the eastern edge of Alamitos Creek, west of the evergreens which are north of (and downstream from) the footbridge located on Camden Ave. near Graystone Lane. It later flew south in stages to a tree near the emergency telephone. From there it disappeared into heavy brush southwest of the phone.  The bird was alone and not associating with any flocks. Bob Lutman reports the continued presence of an adult BALD EAGLE at the west end of Calero Reservoir. Late this afternoon a FOX SPARROW of one of the eastern races, most likely  zaboria, was seen by Jolene Lange and myself at Almaden Lake Park. It was in willows and blackberry brambles near the wooden footbridge over the creek inflow—John Mariani.

January 10, 1999

    Nick Lethaby and Mike Rogers reported the continued presence of the MAGNOLIA WARBLER along Alamitos Creek. At Almaden Lake Nick found 5 species of grebes, including the RED-NECKED GREBE, and also observed COMMON MERGANSER and lots of gulls, including plenty of THAYER'S (10+) and HERRING. Mike Rogers also visited Almaden Lake, where he found the same 5 species of grebes, including the RED-NECKED GREBE, 8 COMMON MERGANSERS,  3 COMMON MOORHENS, and THAYER'S GULLS. He reports that "of the 60 gulls at the mouth of Alamitos Creek, 15 were THAYER'S...and there were many more out further on the lake."

January 9, 1999

    The tailless MAGNOLIA WARBLER was again seen at about noon today along the Alamitos Creek Trail, this time foraging at ground-level along the creek and trail near the emergency phone at the picnic area. A TOWNSEND'S WARBLER was seen along Camden Avenue near Harry Rd., foraging high in sycamores along the Arroyo Calero. The imm. PEREGRINE FALCON was still at the east end of Calero Reservoir—John Mariani. The adult BALD EAGLE and a COMMON LOON were at the west end of Calero Reservoir—Ann Verdi.

January 8, 1999

    A tailless (but otherwise intact) MAGNOLIA WARBLER was seen along Alamitos Creek at about 4:30 this afternoon. It responded to pishing, and was observed at eye-level in streamside undergrowth. The location was along the creek near the pines at the picnic area downstream from the footbridge on Camden Avenue (near Graystone Lane)—John Mariani. The RED-NECKED GREBE, COMMON LOON, 2 male COMMON MERGANSERS, and 2 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS were at Almaden Lake—Steve Rottenborn.

January 6, 1999

    Birds at Calero Reservoir today included 1 COMMON LOON, 1 HORNED GREBE, 1 immature PEREGRINE FALCON, 1 AMERICAN AVOCET, and about 35 LEAST SANDPIPERS—John Mariani.

January 5, 1999

    An adult WESTERN GULL, rare this far from the bay, was at Almaden Lake Park this afternoon. Other birds there included 3 COMMON MOORHENS, 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER, MEW (1) and THAYER'S GULLS, and a RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER—John Mariani.

January 4, 1999

    The adult BALD EAGLE was again seen from the boat launch at Calero Reservoir. It was first spotted atop an oak on the west side of the reservoir, from which it then flew to the east end of the reservoir, and was chased back to the west by an immature PEREGRINE FALCON (they almost locked talons at one point!). A female BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was also seen from the boat launch—John Mariani.

January 2, 1999

    William Cabot reports that he saw an adult BALD EAGLE fishing (successfully) at the west end of  Calero Reservoir at about 8 a.m. Later that day, Kathy Parker and I saw the RED-NECKED GREBE at Almaden Lake Park. Other birds we saw there included 1 COMMON LOON, 3 COMMON GOLDENEYES, an immature RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, and 2 adult THAYER'S GULLS. At Calero Reservoir there was at least 1 TRICOLORED BLACKBIRD in a big blackbird/cowbird/starling flock at the boat launch, and an immature PEREGRINE FALCON was seen in an aerial dogfight with a trio of WHITE-TAILED KITES—John Mariani.

January 1, 1999

    Ann Verdi reports 3 COMMON LOONS (2 at Calero Reservoir, 1 at Almaden Lake),  9 WOOD DUCKS (at Almaden Reservoir), and COMMON MERGANSERS (at Calero Reservoir and Almaden Lake).

December 29, 1998

    Tom Ryan saw a BALD EAGLE at Calero Reservoir. The bird was perched on a fence-post on the north side of the reservoir between the two dam structures. Other birds he observed there included a COMMON GOLDENEYE, several HORNED GREBES, and 2 COMMON LOONS.  Steve Rottenborn reports that he and Scott Terrill saw a MERLIN at the Santa Clara Valley Water District office on Almaden Expwy.

December 25th, 1998

    A RED-NECKED GREBE and second-winter GLAUCOUS GULL were at Almaden Lake Park. Other birds there included 1 WESTERN GREBE, several COMMON MERGANSERS, 2 COMMON MOORHENS, THAYER'S GULL, GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL, and 1 MEW GULL (for a total of 7 gull species). The SCVWD Pond had a good assortment of ducks, more gulls (including at least 2 GLAUCOUS-WINGED), and a MARSH WREN—John Mariani.

December 24th, 1998

    A couple of MEW GULLS were eating crumbs in the Blockbuster Video parking lot at Blossom Hill Rd. and Kooser. Locally (south San Jose) this species seems to be pretty scarce—John Mariani.

December 15th, 1998

    Along the Guadalupe River channel near the SCVWD Pond there were still 2 COMMON MOORHENS. A COOPER'S HAWK and SPOTTED SANDPIPER were also in the area. A MERLIN was seen flying fast and away at Calero Reservoir—John Mariani.

December 10th, 1998

    Among the ducks at Calero Reservoir there were 26 COMMON MERGANSERS. Other birds there included 16 LEAST SANDPIPERS, 2 DUNLIN, and 10 BONAPARTE’S GULLS. On Almaden Lake there were 120-plus HERRING GULLS along with larger numbers of CALIFORNIA GULLS and lesser numbers of RING-BILLED GULLS. There were 2 COMMON MOORHENS along the Guadalupe River near the SCVWD Pond—John Mariani.

December 9th, 1998

    Tom Ryan observed an AMERICAN BITTERN, a SORA, and a BELTED KINGFISHER along the Guadalupe River between the Pond at the SCVWD HQ and Blossom Hill Rd. The bittern was sighted in flight and foraging along the bank.  The area is accessible by levee trails from the SCVWD HQ building on Almaden Expressway.

December 6th, 1998

    Ann Verdi reported a whopping 125 WOOD DUCKS at Almaden Reservoir; 2 COMMON LOONS and a PEREGRINE FALCON at Calero Reservoir; 200-plus CALIFORNIA GULLS, approx. 30 HERRING GULLS, and 1 GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL at Almaden Lake; and a YELLOW-SHAFTED (NORTHERN) FLICKER in the vicinity of the Coleman Road ponds.

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